Aspirin is the first-choice drug for arthritis because it acts both as an analgesic (painkiller) and in higher doses as an anti-inflammatory agent. Aspirin acts as a painkiller on the central nervous system to reduce the ability to feel pain. As an anti-inflammatory agent it must be taken in specific dosages as recommended by your physician. To explain the anti-inflammatory process of aspirins the US Arthritis Foundation says, “Aspirin stops the production of prostaglandins, substances released at the site of inflammation which apparently increase pain by sensitizing nerve endings. By interfering with prostaglandin production the drug blocks pain and reduces inflammation... To take full advantage of aspirin’s anti- inflammatory powers a person with arthritis may have to take as many as 15 to 20 tablets per day.”

Many people are impressed with drugs that have complicated technical names. They find it difficult to believe that a simple non-prescription remedy, taken wider a physician’s guidance, can do much for serious ailments such as arthritis. Although aspirin is a non drug, it is not recommended that arthritis sufferers take large quantities of aspirin without direction from a physician. Each individual case of arthritis is different, and each person reacts in different ways to the action of aspirin.

Your physician knows you best and knows what is most likely to help you. If your doctor has started you on an aspirin programs be sure to take the prescribed amount of aspirin. Although you may feel better on some days, do not stop taking the aspirin; the anti-inflammatory power of the drug will be reduced greatly if you stop taking it. Like many drugs, it must be taken steadily or it will not work properly. Also, once you begin taking high doses of aspirins it may be several days to a week before you start to feel its full effects.

If you are on aspirin therapy, many physicians advice buying large bottles of an unadvertised brand, such as generic aspirin; otherwise, rather than higher quality, you will be paying for the advertising costs.

Should you notice any unpleasant side effects from your aspirin dosage, call your physician. You may be advised to change your dosage. Within a short time after you decrease the dosage your side effect symptoms will probably go away.

If aspirin is so effective in treating arthritis, why don’t more people take it? Some people cannot take aspirin because it upsets their stomach. For this reason some favor buffered aspirin, aspirin mixed with antacids, or coated aspirin. These types of aspirin may cause less indigestion. Other people have conditions in which complications might arise if they took aspirin, such as those who have peptic ulcers. Fortunately, there are aspirin alternatives, as described below, for people who cannot tolerate aspirin. They work in much the same way as aspirin.